The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) will host its 29th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. A Tribe Called Quest, one of the most prolific hip-hop bands in the world, will receive the ASCAP Golden Note Award. The tribute will include posthumous recognition for Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor, one of the founding members of Grammy-nominated alternative hip-hop group who passed away earlier this year. The highly exclusive event will also honor the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2015 R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel charts.
“A Tribe Called Quest broke musical boundaries no one knew existed and reached a level of success that only very rare talents accomplish,” said ASCAP President Paul Williams. “We are very proud to present this extremely talented and innovative group with the ASCAP Golden Note Award.”
Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP SVP of Membership added, “A Tribe Called Quest influenced a generation with their fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and socially-conscious lyrics. They continue to inspire decades later and are more than deserving of this special honor.”
During the ASCAP ceremony, awards will also be given for the Publisher of the Year, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song, Top Rap Song, and Top Gospel Song. The evening will feature performances by several award-winning songwriters/performers, and will be attended by some of the top names in the music and entertainment industry.
The ASCAP Golden Note Award is one of the top acknowledgments that ASCAP bestows upon songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extremely high levels of success. Past recipients include Ms. Lauryn Hill, Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jeff Lynne, Reba McEntire, LL Cool J, Jermaine Dupri, Jay-Z, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Quincy Jones, Elton John, Tom Petty and many more.